CIA Director Mike Pompeo is expected to bring an awareness of cyber threats to the nation if nominated and confirmed to be the next the secretary of State, while the announced departure of Secretary Rex Tillerson surprised senior department officials, with sources indicating a likely pause in an ongoing department restructuring that included efforts to elevate cybersecurity functions.

“Senior State Department officials were caught off guard,” said a department source, who indicated Pompeo's anticipated leadership would be good for addressing...

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